Euro 2024: Harry Kane's curse continues as Spain beats England to Euro title

Spain triumphs over England to win Euro 2024. Yamal shines, Rodri named player of the tournament. England's late efforts fall short.

Alvaro Morata lifts the Euro trophy after Spain beats England 2-1 in Berlin on Sunday night. (Photo credit: GOAL)

The vigor of youthfulness and the power of consistency saw Spain triumph over England on Sunday as Luis De La Fuente’s side lifted the 2024 Euro trophy.

It was always going to be tough for England, with Spain stepping into the final as the favorite after stellar performances throughout the tournament. It’s a vindication for total football over defensive approach; as hard as it may come for the 3Lions, you can’t question Spain’s right to win.

How did it happen? The 3Lions handed a starting role to Luke Shaw, who held his own against a lively Lamine Yamal throughout the first half. Spain dominated possession but failed to create clear-cut chances to trouble Jordan Pickford.

Bukayo Saka created a couple down the right flank, but Spain stood firm as the first half ended goalless. The second half started with a scare for Spain and their fans as news filtered through that the highly-dependable Rodri would not return. Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi came on in his place.

It turned out to be a blessing, as Spain struck just a little over a minute after the restart. Yamal raced down and set up Nico Williams, who blasted past Pickford. England found reasons to attack, and the game received the life fans wanted.

Gareth Southgate called on Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins, and with Harry Kane and Kobbie Mainoo making their way, it was no surprise that the Chelsea lad got England back into the game. Saka sent a low one through to Jude Bellingham, who set up Palmer with a cutback, and the latter curled one past Unai Simon.

"It's not that I thought we were favorites, but I felt we were in a position to win the tournament, and we have done," Spain coach De La Fuente said. "It's challenging to enhance our performance here, but this group can continue to grow because they value hard work, competition, and winning."

"I am proud of them and thrilled about the excitement we have generated back home. These players have made history, and they still have a long way to go." Spain last won the tournament in 2012, when they retained it with a strong performance against Italy.

Yamal became the youngest ever to win a major trophy since Pele in 1958, and the young lad, who turned 17 a day before the final, couldn't hide his excitement. It’s joy and delirium for the people of Spain, but where do the broken-hearted England fans go from here?

 Yamal was voted as the best young player of the tournament while the enigmatic Rodri went home with the player of the tournament award.